West LA folks, appeal for cold weather gear for homeless..

Discussion in 'The Pub' started by bing!, Nov 27, 2014.

  1. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    Got a new project. I made 5 cold weather survival kits composed of large carrying bags, sleeping bag or winter blanket, and water.

    Gave them away this morning to people sleeping on the streets and I was out before I got to 4 blocks away from my home in Venice.

    I am planning to buy a few more sleeping bags when I get my next check. Thought I'd put it out there if anyone in WLA wants to give away large duffles/carrying bags (they really need these), old sleeping bags, heavy blankets and used jackets.

    Im taking bags & blankets with holes and doing repairs. Whatever you have, if u think I can fix it with a reasonable amount of effort and it will give warmth or carry a sleeping bag or blanket, oversized XXL reusable shopping bags, I'll take it!

    Venice and Santa Monica has a lot of homeless people and they could really use the gear.

    I am doing pick ups Saturday morning. Text 310-FOOR98too84too Thanks!
     
  2. xhuskr

    xhuskr Powered by Guinness

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    Good for you Bing! We do a similar thing in Santa Ana around Xmas/New Year. You are showing the giving truly is better than receiving.
     
  3. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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  4. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    The Venice Comfy Avenger rides tonight! Taking the chill outta the homeless. Uh, that didnt sound right :)


    image.jpg

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  5. chubacabra

    chubacabra Threapy Dog

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    Thats a very nice thing you're doing. I'm volunteering at convalescent homes throughout the winter months myself despite I got laid off in November. My wife thinks theres something wrong, but like a small percentage of people in the mtn biking community, I am not into expensive bikes, 1x 11, Dura Ace or any of that. I think TIME is more precious and what you do with it is worth more than anything. Thanks for helping others, Mr Bing
     
  6. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    Reading about your own project to help others out, I'm sure you know what I mean when I say, it's therapeutic.

    Seeing the surprise and the happiness that comes out of the thought of sleeping in a nice clean sleeping bag and a few warmers is, pardon the cliche`, priceless :)

    It helps with my own anxieties. I will also be out of work by mid Jan. No sympathy needed. Am a survivor and will be clawing my way back to the land of the working for a living soon enough :)

    edit: Today was especially poignant. I cruised my usual haunt,3rd and Rose, Silicon Beach's Skid Row. I dont usually wake up people, but I saw a man sleeping with a cotton bedsheet and the bare sidewalk on his back. At 58 degrees out, I was pretty sure he wouldnt mind. I walked up to him and started speaking loudly, "Hey, man!" I said that 3-4x. I don't walk up too close until folks know I'm there and they exhibit approval of my approach. A precaution I take so as not to get stabbed.

    When he did come to, he peeped out of his blanket, and I met Joe. An 80 something old man with a back pack and not much else. Asked him if he could use a sleeping bag. Yes, was the immediate answer. Spent a minute showing him how to use a chemical body warmer. Handed him a water bottle and left.

    Total of 2 sleeping bags, 12 water bottles and 16 body warmers. Now I need a beer.

    :)
     

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